Distributed Z Pixel Kernel for High-Resolution RGB and TOF Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Time-Of-Flight (TOF) sensors face challenges in achieving high resolution and integrating large Z pixels with smaller RGB pixels due to the large dimensions of Z pixels, which hinder the creation of high-resolution three-dimensional images.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pixel kernel comprising multiple RGB pixels and distributed Z pixels with single memory elements, allowing for a balanced TOF and color performance by using physically separated Z pixel portions with reduced memory storage areas, enabling efficient integration with RGB pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large Z pixels are used for TOF measurement, then TOF measurement capability is achieved, but pixel array resolution and integration density deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The Z pixel is divided into multiple distributed portions (first Z pixel portion, second Z pixel portion, third Z pixel portion) across different locations in the pixel kernel. Each portion has a single memory element and contributes to the overall TOF signal, enabling high-resolution imaging while maintaining TOF measurement capability through distributed architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single large Z pixel to multiple distributed Z pixel portions arranged in specific patterns (e.g., first and second portions in one row, third portion in another row). This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions enables both high resolution and functional integration
2Measurement precision
If multiple memory elements are provided per Z pixel for TOF signal storage, then TOF measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and area consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple memory elements within a single Z pixel, the patent segments the Z pixel into multiple portions distributed across the pixel kernel, with each portion containing only a single memory element. This reduces per-pixel complexity while maintaining overall TOF measurement precision through distributed signal collection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the multiple memory element requirement from the individual Z pixel structure and distributes the memory elements across multiple Z pixel portions throughout the pixel kernel. This extraction reduces the complexity burden on any single pixel while preserving the total memory capacity needed for precise TOF measurement
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for a high-resolution RGB sensor with comparable Z image resolution to prior art solutions, effectively addressing the integration challenges of large Z pixels and enhancing the overall performance of the sensor array.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the RGB pixels and the Z pixels comprises a photosensitive element and a pass transistor
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor array includes pixel kernels, wherein each pixel kernel includes RGB pixels, the RGB pixels being configured to provide a plurality of color signals, and Z pixels each having a single memory element, the Z pixels being configured to provide a single TOF signal. Each pixel kernel includes two to four Z pixels. The RGB and Z pixels can be integrated together on a single sensor array.